Day 1 Heidelberg to Frankfort

The Camper van was collected on Thursday morning and taken to Harveston Retirement village - had to give the residents some entertainment.

After 3 months of training and many hours in the saddle, the big day had arrived.  We left home at 5.30 for Heidelberg, the start was at 8.00am.  Considering this is the first major Off-Road cycle event that Dirk and I have attended, it was quite an eye opener.  We have never seen so many people on bicycles in one place.  There was the big count down and the Red Massey Ferguson Tractor lead the procession away down the winding, dusty road.  Half way through the procedure the helicopter pilot decided it was a good idea to give the camera man a view of the start line.  Needless to say start post and banners went flying, to be rescued by the organisers.

The supporters played "follow my leader" to the second watering point, where the cyclists had to cross the river by dragon boats, the bikes went separately.  It was at this stage we decided this was very similar to the army, "hurry up and wait" was the name of the game.

Kurt and Grant finished today in the time of 6 hours and 49 minutes.  We ended the day at Frankfort School where the campers are kept separate from the tented village.  As I finish this update for today, the sound of very tired, hungry people is the music of the day. So off to dinner we go, and then an early bed.